What we need is a role up your sleeves regular guy democrat. We need a Richie Daley, an Ed Rendell or a Dick Durbin. We need a guy who can appeal to urban voters and working class whites. I don't think Edwards can really do this (he appeals to rural voters, not urban voters).
I also think this line of thinking (I agree with Chris) pushes us towards shaping a message designer for southern rural voters rather than northern urban, suburban and exurban voters.
Outside of a "working class" white democrate, the only other type of candidate I think we should consider is a Hispanic candidate (like Alex Penelas). No more white southern democrats.
I agree that going Southern candidate-wise is no lock - but it's nothing to be afraid of (as NE is). I also agree that a "dull" midwestern type is probably not nearly as dull to the people we'd like to appeal to. I will never again roll my eyes at a Gephardt-type (though not Dick himself)
